The Cost of Driving From Ankeny, Iowa to Saint Pete Beach, Florida

Are you dreaming of warm weather and sandy beaches? If so, a road trip from Ankeny, Iowa to Saint Pete Beach, Florida might just be what you need. But before you hit the road, let’s take a closer look at the cost of the trip based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Fastest and Most Direct Route

The fastest and most direct route from Ankeny, Iowa to Saint Pete Beach, Florida is via I-35 S and I-75 S. This route covers a distance of 1,294 miles, and takes approximately 19 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you will need to fill up your tank approximately 52 times for the round-trip. At the current national average gas price of $2.89 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route is about $750.

In addition to gas, there will also be tolls to consider. The main toll on this route is the Central Florida Expressway Authority toll road which costs around $8.75 for a one-way trip. This will add up to an additional $35 in tolls.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you’re in no rush to get to Saint Pete Beach and want to take the scenic route, consider driving via I-35 S, US-71 S, and US-45 S. This route covers a distance of 1,645 miles, and takes approximately 26 hours to complete.

Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you will need to fill up your tank approximately 66 times for the round-trip. At the current national average gas price of $2.89 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route is about $950.

There are fewer tolls on this route. The main toll to consider is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which costs around $5 each way. This will add up to an additional $20 in tolls.

Route 3: The Midwest Route

Another option is to take the Midwest route, via I-80 E, I-70 E, I-64 E, and I-75 S. This route covers a distance of 1,450 miles, and takes approximately 23 hours and 30 minutes to complete.

Assuming your car gets an average of 25 miles per gallon on the highway, you will need to fill up your tank approximately 58 times for the round-trip. At the current national average gas price of $2.89 per gallon, the estimated cost of gas for this route is about $850.

There are a few tolls on this route, including the Indiana Toll Road which costs around $10 for a one-way trip. This will add up to an additional $40 in tolls.

Final Thoughts

While the cost of driving from Ankeny, Iowa to Saint Pete Beach, Florida can quickly add up, the memories made along the way are priceless. Consider these three routes when determining the best path for your next road trip adventure.